Country Profile: Oman
Politics
Sultan Qaboos seized power in 1970 and rules by decree; he has moved to increase popular participation in decision making.
Economy
Oman is heavily dependent on oil; a diversification drive includes tourism; the policy of Omanisation aims to replace expatriate workers with locals.
International:
Oman is a long-standing US ally; there is a free trade agreement between the two countries.
Economy:
As with other Gulf nations, oil is the mainstay of the economy, providing a large chunk of GDP, but compared to its neighbours Oman is a modest producer. Agriculture and fishing are important sources of income. Tourism, another source of revenue, is on the rise. Oman's attractions include a largely-untouched coastline, mountains, deserts and the burgeoning capital Muscat, with its forts, palaces and old walled city.
Religion:
Most Omanis follow the Ibadi sect of Islam - the only remaining expression of Kharijism, which was created as a result of one of the first schisms within the religion. The country has so far been spared the militant Islamist violence that has plagued some of its neighbours.
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